The bushfire burning on Flinders Island came within 30m of the island’s main telecommunications tower, a Telstra spokesperson has told Pulse.
Telstra say the fire has caused “radiant heat damage” to their Mt Tanner tower, which provides telecommunications services and emergency TasGRN communications to the island.
Mains power was cut to the tower at 5pm on Sunday due to fire damage, with Tasmania Fire Service crews helping to keep the island connected by providing “wet escorts” to refuel emergency generators at the tower.
Despite the close call, service interruptions were avoided thanks to the quick action of local firefighters, who are still battling the active blaze.
Hydro Tasmania, who manage both power generation and distribution on the island, say despite earlier widespread outages, power issues have been isolated to approximately 30 homes near West End Road.
Staff are currently waiting for clearance from the TFS to enter the area and assess any damage to infrastructure.
Pine Scrub and Leeka remain evacuated on Monday evening, with the TFS warning residents that “conditions are expected to worsen” into the night.
TFS Deputy Regional Chief Steven Richardson said multiple firefighters are currently in the area, with more crews and five waterbombing aircraft on the way.
TFS What to do:
- If your home is built using contemporary bushfire design standards, is well prepared and you can actively defend it, it may provide shelter.
- If your home is unprepared, go to a safer location now only if the path is clear and safe.
- If you have made a bushfire plan, use it now.
- There is an Evacuation Centre at Town Hall, Patrick Street Whitemark.
- If you don’t live near West End Road, communities of Pine Scrub and Leeka, stay away.
- For fire updates visit tasalert.com
